Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu of the Fiji Police Force recently completed an official visit to New Zealand, marked by a significant engagement at the Fiji High Commission in Wellington. During his trip, he met with First Secretary Eileen Pickering and Second Secretary Samuela Kanakatakata to discuss the High Commission’s various roles, ongoing initiatives, and challenges faced by the Fijian community in New Zealand.
Commissioner Tudravu was accompanied by key figures from the Fiji Police Force, including Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Internal Affairs) Viliame Sovalevu and Inspector Joseph Hunter, who leads the Fiji Police Partnership Program (FPPP) supported by the New Zealand government. This meeting provided the Commissioner with valuable insights into the concerns expressed by members of the Fijian diaspora.
During discussions, Commissioner Tudravu reaffirmed his dedication to tackling policing issues impacting Fijians residing abroad. He commended the High Commission for its role in nurturing strong diplomatic and community connections between Fiji and New Zealand. He emphasized the necessity for better collaboration among government ministries, such as Immigration and Trade, to enhance the services provided to Fijians overseas.
Both the Fiji Police and the High Commission expressed their commitment to bolstering bilateral cooperation aimed at supporting the welfare of Fijians in New Zealand. A highlight of Commissioner Tudravu’s visit included attending the graduation ceremony for Fiji Police K9 handlers at the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham. This signifies the ongoing collaborative efforts in law enforcement training between the two nations.
This visit underscores Fiji’s dedication to enhancing regional policing initiatives and signifies a positive direction toward improved community engagement and support for Fijians abroad. The interactions and partnerships developed during this trip signal a hopeful future, fostering strengthened relationships and cooperation in policing, which ultimately contributes to the safety and well-being of Fijians living overseas.